Sra. Raquel

Sanchez De Leon

Doña Raquel Sánchez de León, aged 105, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on February 6, 2019. Doña Raquel was born in Cameron County, Texas on September 17, 1913. She lived her entire life in Cameron County, where she met her husband, married, and raised a family of six children.

She is preceded in death by her husband Don Daniel de León, a direct descendant of Don Martin de León, founder of the city of Victoria, Texas, as well as by two sons, an infant son named Francisco and an adult son, Rubén (Odelia).

Doña Raquel came from a large family, all of whom preceded her in death—her parents Antonio Sánchez and Donaciana Ramírez Sánchez and seven siblings: Antonio, Liberato, Francisco, Hijinio, Federico, José and Isabel Sánchez Abrego.

She is survived by her five children: Victoria de León Cortez (Reynaldo Cortez, deceased), Viola de León Teeter (Jim Teeter (Lt. Col. Ret.), Roberto de León (Suzanne), Anita de León Vela (Reyes Vela, deceased) and Ramón de León, D.D.S. (Yolanda); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Doña Raquel left her family an extraordinary legacy, one of strength and family loyalty. Her profound sense of right and wrong was taught by living her life by example for her children. Although of limited formal education she was bilingual and she never stopped learning, always encouraging her children to pursue a higher education, which they did.  In fact, even at the age of 105 she was teaching English to her caregivers.

An independent woman with a great sense of humor, she loved gardening, singing, music, and most of all, dancing. Throughout their community she and Don Daniel had a reputation as incredible dancers.  More importantly they raised an extraordinary family and left an indelible mark on this world.

The de León family would like to thank their mother's caregivers, Cruz Serrata, Bertha Castro, Rosie Ramos, and especially Gabina Olivares who was with her for 18 years.  They would also like to thank Kindred Hospice for their loving care and thoughtfulness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Angel Lucy Funeral Home in Los Fresnos, Texas from 5:00 p.m. To 9:00p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Santa Cecilia Catholic Church in Los Fresnos, Texas followed by burial at the Los Cuates Cemetery and a reception at the church.